AP’s Brian Bakst has a fascinating look at how much money Democrat Al Franken and Republican Norm Coleman have raised over the past few years.

Democrat Al Franken’s campaign is using today’s oral arguments before the Minnesota Supreme Court to raise money. Franken’s campaign manager, Stephanie Schriock, sent out a fundraising e-mail to supporters. Will Norm follow suit?

Dear Friend,

Today, after a long and careful recount and trial, our legal team defended our close victory in the U.S. Senate race before the Minnesota State Supreme Court.

On behalf of Al, Franni, and all of us, I want to thank you again for your support (and your patience!). And I’d like to take a moment to answer a few questions many of you have asked.

Q: WHAT CAN I DO?

A: Although this should be the last step in the process, national Republicans have offered to bankroll even more legal challenges on behalf of their candidate. Our talented legal team will continue to protect what we’ve won – and your contribution will allow that work to happen.

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION!

Q: WHEN WILL THIS BE OVER?

A: After today’s oral arguments, Norm Coleman’s appeal is in the hands of the Minnesota Supreme Court. We don’t know when they’ll issue a ruling – but we’re confident that our victory, which has withstood so much scrutiny already, will stand once again.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE COURT RULES?

A: A ruling upholding our victory will allow Al to receive the certificate of election and take his seat in the U.S. Senate. However, national Republicans have pledged to do anything they can to block the seating of a 60th Democratic Senator, no matter what the Supreme Court says, so our legal team will continue to protect what we’ve won. If you’d like to help them do so, please make a contribution today.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

Q: HOW ARE AL AND FRANNI DOING?

A: Al and Franni are incredibly grateful for all the support they’ve received – and, although they’re enjoying being able to eat dinner together a bit more frequently than during the campaign, they’re working hard in preparation for their move to Washington. Al is building a staff, receiving policy briefings, and meeting with Democratic leadership so that he can hit the ground running as soon as he’s sworn in.

From all of us at TeamFranken, thank you so much for your hard work and your strong support. The victory we won together was close but important, and I know that when Al is seated, he’ll be a Senator who makes all of us proud.

About the blogger

Tom Scheck has covered politics and state government for more than ten years for MPR News. He’s covered several gubernatorial campaigns, two statewide recounts, the presidential bids of Tim Pawlenty and Michele Bachmann, U.S. Senate races, close Congressional contests and the Minnesota Legislature. He lives in Falcon Heights with his wife, son and dog. He can sometimes be found chasing a white ball on a golf course. It isn’t a straight walk. Tips are welcome at tscheck@mpr.org